According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 million Americans are currently living with arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States; with the annual cost to the U.S. economy being estimated at more than $130 billion.
Studies have shown that people who suffer from arthritis can improve symptoms by changing their diet. The cause of arthritis can stem from various situations. Certainly, genetics plays a role in whether a person will develop arthritis. Other factors include age, weight, previous injuries, some high-level sports, and illness or infection.
Inflammation and arthritis go together. Inflammation is a sign that your body is trying to cope with injuries of some sort, when cytokines are produced. When too much of cytokines are produced by the body, inflammation is the result. There are certain foods that stimulate the production of cytokines. It follows that eliminating these foods from your diet can help you deal with arthritis much better.
Colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, which are helpful in fighting inflammation. Fruits which are high in vitamin C provide the most benefit for people with arthritis. These include blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi fruit, mango, cantaloupe melon and apples.
Vegetables are another important source of vitamin C, and also of vitamin A. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, squash, kale and collard greens should figure prominently in the diet of people who suffer from arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help people with arthritis. Most kinds of fish are rich in this, but high mercury levels in fish is a concern. A four ounce portion of mackerel, salmon, trout or sardines two or three times a week is enough to give your body what it needs to fight arthritis.
If you can find fish that is free of mercury, you can incorporate it in your diet without reservations. Such fish oil supplements are also a great option. Searching online will give options you can turn to.
Other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include nuts and seeds. But, remember to avoid dry roasted and salted versions. Brazil nuts, walnuts, linseeds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also rich in Omega-3. Twelve almonds a day can give you the recommended daily dose of the fatty acids.
Include whole grains and lentils and avoid anything processed. Quinoa (keen-wah) is known as the Mother of all Grains and is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. Amaranth, lentils, chick peas (garbanzo beans), and brown rice are also good choices as part of your arthritis diet.
Some grains should be avoided, because they contain gluten - wheat, barley, rye and oats, for example. Gluten is something everybody with arthritis should stay away from because it causes inflammation. Corn and wheat can also adversely affect people with both Celiac disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
There are some other food items that you have to stay away from, as well, to avoid inflammation and to avoid aggravating arthritis. These include red meat, dairy products, sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, flour, dry roasted nuts, Monosodium Glutamate and nightshade plants. - 16004
Studies have shown that people who suffer from arthritis can improve symptoms by changing their diet. The cause of arthritis can stem from various situations. Certainly, genetics plays a role in whether a person will develop arthritis. Other factors include age, weight, previous injuries, some high-level sports, and illness or infection.
Inflammation and arthritis go together. Inflammation is a sign that your body is trying to cope with injuries of some sort, when cytokines are produced. When too much of cytokines are produced by the body, inflammation is the result. There are certain foods that stimulate the production of cytokines. It follows that eliminating these foods from your diet can help you deal with arthritis much better.
Colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, which are helpful in fighting inflammation. Fruits which are high in vitamin C provide the most benefit for people with arthritis. These include blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi fruit, mango, cantaloupe melon and apples.
Vegetables are another important source of vitamin C, and also of vitamin A. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, squash, kale and collard greens should figure prominently in the diet of people who suffer from arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help people with arthritis. Most kinds of fish are rich in this, but high mercury levels in fish is a concern. A four ounce portion of mackerel, salmon, trout or sardines two or three times a week is enough to give your body what it needs to fight arthritis.
If you can find fish that is free of mercury, you can incorporate it in your diet without reservations. Such fish oil supplements are also a great option. Searching online will give options you can turn to.
Other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include nuts and seeds. But, remember to avoid dry roasted and salted versions. Brazil nuts, walnuts, linseeds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also rich in Omega-3. Twelve almonds a day can give you the recommended daily dose of the fatty acids.
Include whole grains and lentils and avoid anything processed. Quinoa (keen-wah) is known as the Mother of all Grains and is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. Amaranth, lentils, chick peas (garbanzo beans), and brown rice are also good choices as part of your arthritis diet.
Some grains should be avoided, because they contain gluten - wheat, barley, rye and oats, for example. Gluten is something everybody with arthritis should stay away from because it causes inflammation. Corn and wheat can also adversely affect people with both Celiac disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
There are some other food items that you have to stay away from, as well, to avoid inflammation and to avoid aggravating arthritis. These include red meat, dairy products, sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, flour, dry roasted nuts, Monosodium Glutamate and nightshade plants. - 16004
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